If she kneels, the story of a daughter-in-law forcing her mother-in-law to kneel will spread, and she’ll carry a terrible reputation. Even Lu Qing will likely have reservations deep down.
Her eyes turned red as she choked up and said:
"Mom, I know you care about us, and we also want to take good care of you. However, Lu Lu seems to have a sizable misunderstanding about me. Until that misunderstanding is resolved, we’ll move out for now. Isn’t it better for the family to get along harmoniously? Besides, we’ll come back often to visit you."
Fang Li was practically seething inside. This woman was too clever, too articulate, leaving her no room to argue!
Lu Lu pushing Qin Miaomiao turned into the perfect excuse for them not to move back in. This woman was probably scheming how to get Lu Lu shipped abroad.
As long as she could catch any misstep, Lu Lu’s future would be bleak. This woman was ruthless and vicious!
She hated her to death inside, but on the surface, she had to maintain a kind demeanor. She spoke earnestly:
"As elders, we’re only concerned about you kids facing hardships. Here, you’ll have servants to look after you, which makes things much more convenient. If you live on your own outside, who will take care of your daily life? Better to live here. If Lu Lu is being unruly, I’ll send her packing. Isn’t that enough?"
Having said that, it would seem unreasonable if Qin Miaomiao didn’t agree. But she wasn’t falling for that. Living here would mean endless trouble, and she simply didn’t have the time for it.
She quickly pretended to be frightened and pitifully said:
"That would make me even more at fault. Mom, how could I let Lu Lu suffer because of me? With your guidance, I’m sure Lu Lu will improve; she just needs a bit more time. Lu Lu misunderstands me; by keeping my distance from her, it might actually be better for her. Otherwise, if tensions boil over, a month from now she really might end up being sent to the United Kingdom. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see that happen, right?"
Fang Li hesitated. Her attempts to keep them here were merely to prevent the two of them from becoming even closer. With such a venomous woman by Lu Qing’s side, she was like a ticking time bomb. But if she stayed in the Lu Family, with her craftiness, Lu Lu would eventually be sent away. Damn this vile woman—she was threatening her!
Lu Qing’s patience had run dry. He wrapped his arm around Qin Miaomiao and made the final decision:
"We’ll go back first. We’ll visit when we have time. And make sure to discipline Lu Lu properly."
After saying this, he left with Qin Miaomiao.
His demeanor was cold and commanding. In the Lu Family, his word was law. Even Fang Li dared not refute him.
Once they left, only then did Lu Lu explode. She shouted:
"Mom, why were you so servile in front of her? Letting that woman have the last laugh! Even my brother has been completely bewitched by her, giving her jewelry worth 200 million dollars! If this continues, the entire Lu Family will become hers. Mom, we have to get rid of that woman—we must drive her out!"
Fang Li turned around and slapped her hard across the face. Lu Lu looked at her in utter disbelief as tears streamed down her cheeks. She cried and said:
"Mom, why did you hit me?"
"Why did you push her down the stairs?"
Fang Li’s expression turned severe, scaring the usually unruly Lu Lu. After a moment, Lu Lu finally stammered to explain:
"I... I acted impulsively. I didn’t mean to."
"Your impulsiveness wrecked all our plans! That 200-million-dollar necklace was your brother’s way of compensating her. Them moving out was a slap to our face! Without your brother, do you think we could maintain our footing in the Lu Family? Do you think your life would go smoothly if your brother grows estranged from us? The Lu Family’s success today is entirely upheld by your brother! If he distances himself from us, how do you think your future will fare?"